Arden AJ 4 returns!

The original 80s super XJ is back, looking just as cool as ever

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 8 January 2019 / Loading comments

Despite being based in Germany, Arden remains one of the most prominent Jaguar tuners. Its contemporary work covers the whole range, from F-Pace to F-Type, but now it has returned to one of its greatest hits - the original AJ 4.

Based on the Series III Jaguar XJ, the AJ 4 was released in 1982 with more power, luxury and dynamism. Now the model has been recommissioned, with Arden aiming to build 235 more in addition to the 234 built during the 1980s. Imagine how an XJR might have looked at that time - that flagship not arriving until the XJ40 - and that's what the Arden appears to represent.

There's more power for a start, the legendary V12 tickled to 320hp from the standard 265; the gearbox is tweaked, too, to make the most of that increased potency. Chassis modifications include completely new springs and dampers, lighter forged wheels and wider tyres. There's also a more aggressive bodykit to lend some 80s east-end gangster chic.

Arden says that AJ 4 customers have "almost unlimited" choices inside, with a selection of "noble woods, real carbon, Connolly leather, Alcantara [and] piano lacquer to ensure a suitable ambience." Fabulous. Certainly if a modern and trendy Jag doesn't suit, or JLR Classic's own slightly chintzy take on the 80s for Nicko McBrain, then there should be plenty to enjoy about Arden's effort.

Apparently one of these AJ 4s has already reached a customer, meaning there are still plenty left to be snapped up by discerning XJ aficionados. Presumably buyers will have to supply their own XJ for restoration, and there's no exact word that we can see on cost, but you'd be willing to spend a lot to make this happen - right?